Tourism Malaysia seeks agency, Tourism Victoria picks BGB Comms

Tourism Malaysia has put its global PR accounts out to pitch. In the UK, it is looking for an agency to position the country as a ‘prime tourist destination’ following an increase in the number of UK visitors.

Hills Balfour Synergy has held the UK account for last two years, and intends to repitch.

Meanwhile Tourism Victoria has handed BGB Communications a two-year account that ends in July 2011.

It won the brief following a pitch that included eight-year incumbent The Saltmarsh Partnership.

The agency will be expected to promote the state capital Melbourne through a series of upcoming events including the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in October, the Melbourne International Arts Festival in October and The Melbourne Cup in November.

It will also look to maximise media around singer Lily Allen’s appearance on Melbourne-based soap opera Neighbours in November.

The win comes as the number of flights to Melbourne have increased, with Richard Branson’s V Australia scheduled to start operating flights in September, and Qatar Airways launching its first flights to Melbourne in December.

Australia’s largest hotel is also due to open in Melbourne in early 2010.